‘Orange for the Indies Day’, to be held on 26 February, will be first ever national event held to raise awareness for the around 100 lifeboat stations around the UK which operate outside the auspices of the RNLI.

Independent lifeboats have existed for many years, and their volunteer crews respond to emergencies at sea and on the shores nearby in an identical way to the RNLI.

Their crews are trained to a high standard and all rescue craft must adhere to the same strict code as the RNLI’s.

Unlike the RNLI, however, independent lifeboat station members are also responsible for all their own fundraising, training and maintenance of equipment.

Anyone can show their support for the action next Friday by wearing something orange or holding an ‘orange’ fundraising event and donating the funds raised to their local lifeboat unit.

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